The national Web publication AffordableSchools.net announced today that Auburn University and the University of Alabama at Huntsville ranked among the 50 most affordable colleges and universities in the nation when return on investment is taken into account.

In their announcement, John Ferrer, general editor of AffordableSchools.net cited the "soaring cost of college education, substantial student debt, and a tough job market" as their reasons for creating the list.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, average
tuition at four-year colleges and universities has climbed 55.2 percent
since the recession, an increase of $3,250.

That ranks Alabama seventh in the nation for percentage increases and sixth in the nation for dollar amount increases.

Alabama ranks fifth in the nation when it comes to state funding cuts
since the recession, a decline of 37.5 percent when adjusted for
inflation or $4,413 per student, according to the CBPP.

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